Argentina wildlife tour

More info:This itinerary is priced per person and designed to give you an idea of what can be included on your bespoke luxury tour of Argentina, tailor-made to suit your personal tastes and preferences.

Description of Argentina wildlife tour

Discover the wildlife-rich Iberá Wetlands, enjoy a sunset boat trip on the Paraná River and spot caiman, capybaras and tropical birds. Explore the lush Iguazú jungle and see the mighty Iguazú Falls, then encounter the incredible marine wildlife of the wild Patagonian coast.

On this 13-day itinerary you’ll visit Argentina’s renowned wildlife regions, including the protected Iberá Wetlands, the lush Iguazú jungle and the Patagonian nature reserve, Peninsula Valdés. You’ll venture off the beaten track to discover some of the country’s incredible wildlife and stunning natural wonders.

You’ll begin in the captivating capital of Buenos Aires, where you can stroll along the famous streets and discover the city's rich architectural history, explore the beautiful parks and gardens and enjoy a cocktail, whilst watching a legendary Buenos Aires sunset.

From Buenos Aires you’ll head to the Iberá Wetlands, the only protected conservation area in the country. This vast region in north-eastern Argentina is comprised of swamps, lagoons, marshlands, rivers and forests, teeming with wildlife including capybaras (also called carpinchos or water hogs, capybaras are the largest living rodent, a semi-aquatic mammal native to South America), howler monkeys, marshland deer, Pampas deer, neo-tropical otters, caimans and a diverse array of birdlife. Here, you can take a boat ride or kayak on the river to take in the stunning scenery.

The next destination on your Argentina wildlife-focused itinerary is Puerto Iguazú, home to the vast Iguazú Jungle and the mighty Iguazú Falls. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to discover the fascinating flora and fauna of the jungle and see the breathtaking Iguazú Falls from three unique viewpoints.

Next, you’ll head to the northern Patagonian coastline to Puerto Madryn, located right across from Peninsula Valdes. This region is renowned for its marine life, including seals, penguins and huge numbers of whales which migrate through the waters each spring. Finally, you’ll return to Buenos Aires for one last night, before saying farewell to Argentina.

Day-by-day experiences

Day 1:

Arrive in Buenos Aires - Upon arrival at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (also known as Ezeiza International Airport), you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to the Legado Mítico, where you’ll stay for the next three nights.
The Legado Mítico is a boutique hotel featuring spacious rooms with décor inspired by the Argentinean culture and history. This stylish hotel is located in the trendy Palermo Soho neighbourhood (barrio) of Buenos Aires, where you’ll find eclectic restaurants, chic cocktail bars, quirky shops, art galleries and markets. This evening, you can go out for dinner in Palermo Soho to enjoy an abundance of dining options, from parrillas (steak houses) to fine-dining restaurants, whilst listening to the sounds of the tango in the background.

Day 2:

Explore Buenos Aires - After breakfast, your English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel and you’ll embark on a four-hour private tour of Buenos Aires. With its French classical architecture, exclusive boutiques, pavement cafes and fine restaurants, Buenos Aires is an incredible city that beats to a passionate tango rhythm. On your tour, you’ll walk along the widest avenue in the world, Avenida 9 de Julio, which runs through the heart of the city, and you’ll see the major attractions, including the impressive Teatro Colon Opera House, the famous pink government house, Casa Rosada, and the Pirámide de Mayo, a white obelisk which was built to mark the first anniversary of independence from Spain. You’ll also visit the districts of La Boca and San Telmo, where the city was born and the trendy Puerto Madero docklands area, where you’ll find fantastic cafes and restaurants. Then, you’ll head to the Recoleta neighbourhood to visit the Cementerio de la Recoleta and the grave of Argentina’s most famous first lady, Eva Perón, before ending your tour back at your hotel in Palermo. Your guide will be happy to adapt the tour depending on your personal interests, so let them know if you’re particularly interested in the food, history, architecture or culture of the city.

Day 3:

Explore Buenos Aires - Today, you’ll have a free day to explore the Argentinean capital at your leisure.
You may wish to visit Cementerio de la Chacarita, a 19th century cemetery sprawled across the Buenos Aires suburbs, where you can see statues and mausoleums of Argentina’s most revered tango icons, or you can discover the spectacular El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a former theatre which has been turned into a grand bookstore; visit a tango hall to witness the sensual, energetic dance of Argentine culture; or explore the city’s museums and art galleries, including El Caminito, a historical, artist-lined alleyway and colourful street museum, and Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (also known as Malba), Argentina’s leading contemporary art museum, where you’ll see works by leading Latino modern artists, including Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and lesser-known locals. Alternatively, you can experience an exciting football match at the famous Bombonera stadium in La Boca!

Day 4:

Transfer to Posadas (Iberá Wetlands) - After breakfast at the Legado Mítico, you’ll be picked up by your private driver and transferred to Jorge Newbery airport for your domestic flight to Posadas. On arrival at the airport, you’ll join a shared transfer (approximately one hour), provided by Puerto Valle Hotel de Esteros, your accommodation for the next three nights. Puerto Valle Hotel is a luxury property located in a remote spot on the banks of the Paraná River, on the edge of the Iberá wetlands. This peaceful estancia offers contemporary accommodation, beautiful landscaped grounds and gourmet cuisine; a perfect base for a couple of days of wildlife viewing and riverside relaxation. The lodge has 13 spacious and contemporary guest suites, all offering views of the river, plus there’s also, an outdoor swimming pool that overlooks the flooded Paraná river, 14 hectares of beautifully manicured grounds, an open air bar, a well-stocked wine cellar and a gourmet restaurant, which serves delicious fresh produce from the hotel’s organic garden. You’ll stay at Puerto Valle on a full-board basis with all activities included.

Day 5:

Explore the Iberá Wetlands - Over the next two days you’re free to explore the Iberá Wetlands and enjoy the various activities offered by Puerto Valle at your leisure. The main attraction of Puerto Valle is undoubtedly the wildlife and you’ll have opportunities to see caiman, otters, capybara, marsh deer and over 350 species of birds on guided river excursions and activities in the forests around the Paraná River and Iberá Wetlands.

Day 6:

Explore Iberá Wetlands - Puerto Valle offers a range of adventure activities, including hiking, bird watching and horse riding excursions through the pine and eucalyptus woods. We recommend joining the Monkey Trail, which will lead you through the thick vegetation in search of howler monkeys. You’re likely to see monkeys leaping through the treetops above you, plus capybaras, deer and other unique wildlife. You can also discover the waterways on a guided boat ride down the Paraná River, into the Paranaense forest, which is teeming with wildlife including howler monkeys. Or if you prefer, you can kayak on the quiet river for an opportunity to have an up-close encounter with the wildlife.

Day 7:

Transfer to Puerto Iguazú - After breakfast, you’ll be met by your English-speaking, private chauffeur-guide and transferred from Puerto Valley to Loi Suites Iguazú, your accommodation for the next two nights. Loi Suites Iguazú is a luxury eco-hotel set deep within the lush Iryapú Jungle, surrounded by towering trees and diverse wildlife, just 15 minutes from the magnificent Iguazú Falls. This afternoon, you can take in the incredible jungle views, enjoy a swim in the outdoor heated pool, spot toucans and colourful butterflies in the lush gardens, relax with a massage or treatment at the luxurious spa, or indulge in a delicious meal in the hotel’s Naipi Restaurant.

Day 8:

Full Day Iguazú Falls Tour - After breakfast, your private English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel to begin your adventure to the mighty Iguazú Falls. Your entrance fees to the Argentine side of the park are included and you’ll get to see the falls from three viewpoints. You can walk along the Upper Circuit for amazing panoramic views of Iguazú Falls and the Iguazú River, then take the Lower Circuit for a close encounter with the cascades. The Lower Circuit is a network of walkways and stairways, designed to offer spectacular views of the falls and follows paths through the jungle, where you’ll have a chance to observe wildlife. Lastly, you’ll arrive at the Devil’s Throat Gorge, an extraordinary feat of nature and a truly memorable sight. After the tour, you’ll be driven back to your hotel for the evening.

Day 9:

Transfer to Puerto Madryn - After a final breakfast at Loi Suites Iguazú, you’ll be met by your private English-speaking chauffeur guide and transferred to Puerto Iguazú airport for your domestic flight to Puerto Madryn, a coastal city in northern Patagonia.
Upon arrival at Puerto Madryn, you’ll take a private transfer to El Pedral Lodge, located on the wild Patagonian coastline at the very end of the nine-kilometre Punta Ninfas beach, which is home to a variety of wildlife, from sea lions to penguins. This quaint lodge has just eight rooms, all of which offer incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged landscapes, plus from your window you may even spot sea lions, killers whales, penguins and other wildlife, from Punta Ninfas beach. You’ll stay at this intimate and friendly lodge for the next three nights on a full-board basis, with all meals and recreational activities included.

Day 10:

Explore Puerto Madryn - Today, you’ll have a free day to explore Puerto Madryn at your leisure. A number of activities can be experienced directly from El Pedral Lodge, such as whale watching and penguin spotting, sea kayaking and boat trips, horse riding, or simply walking along Punta Ninfas beach.

Day 11:

Explore Puerto Madryn - Today, you’ll have another day to explore Puerto Madryn and beyond. Puerto Madryn is located just across the bay from the renowned Valdes Peninsula, Argentina’s premier wildlife destination. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valdes Peninsula offers opportunities for sightings of whales, penguins, elephant seals and the southern right whale (the best time to see southern right whales is between June and mid-December when they come to the area between Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José to breed).

Day 12:

Return to Buenos Aires - After a final breakfast at El Pedral Lodge, you’ll be met by your private driver and transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival at the airport, you’ll take a private transfer back to the Palermo area of the city to spend one last night at Legado Mítico. This evening you may wish to visit a lively tango hall, explore the chic boutiques around the Palermo neighbourhood, or simply enjoy a final dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants in the area.

Day 13:

Depart from Buenos Aires - Today, your Argentina wildlife holiday comes to an end. After a final breakfast at Legado Mítico, you’ll be picked up by your private driver and transferred to Ezeiza International Airport for your return flight home.

Travel Team

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Departure information

This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements

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Responsible tourism

Argentina wildlife tour

Carbon reduction

Your holiday will help support local people and conservation. We must also reduce CO2. Learn about the CO2 emissions of this holiday and how to reduce them.

Environment

As with all of our luxury holidays, this itinerary has been crafted to ensure that it positively effects the local communities and environments visited.

This itinerary includes trips to some of Argentina's protected areas of natural beauty, including the stunning Iguazú Falls area. By visiting these sites (all entrance fees are included in your luxury tour), you are supporting the preservation and conservation of these areas, and indicating to authorities that tourists are interested in protecting Argentina's incredible natural environments.

Whilst exploring Argentina's areas of natural beauty, please ensure that you don’t leave any litter – everything you carry in, you must carry out. Aside from the environmental damage, litter can be harmful to the wildlife.

We also make a special effort to recommend accommodation providers which have responsible and sustainable initiatives. For example, at El Pedral Lodge at Punta Ninfas, the 220 V power is generated by wind energy. Estancia Puerto Valle has a tree nursery produces more than four million seedlings of eucalyptus, Grevillea, kiri and yerba mate per year. These specimens are used for forestry plantation under FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) standards, which require adherence to the highest social and environmental practices.

Community

All the local guides referred to in this itinerary are paid a fair wage. We believe that using local guides is important, as it helps generate local incomes and creates jobs, plus it offers a more authentic travel experience.

We recommend independent local hotels, lodges, guesthouses and campsites, rather than international chain hotels, which helps support local communities and allows you to experience true Argentine hospitality. For example, this Argentina wildlife holiday includes a stay at Puerto Valle in the old traditional estancia that has been fully refurbished and re-born as a modern, luxury lodge. The building was first established in 1868, when Italian sailor Bernadino Valle bought the land from the provincial government to develop his cattle-raising and merchandise transportation business. Today, the estate of the old estancia engages in sustainable production, more precisely, forestry and cattle-raising activities.

We believe getting to know the destination and the people who live there means that you will have a more authentic and meaningful travel experience.

Find related holidays

More info:This itinerary is priced per person and designed to give you an idea of what can be included on your bespoke luxury tour of Argentina, tailor-made to suit your personal tastes and preferences.